Secrets of traditional theatre unmasked in new exhibition

The exhibition, on loan from the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre in Glasgow, is designed to appeal to “art lovers, mask enthusiasts and families alike.”

A spokesman for Barnsley Council said: “Mask theatre is an ancient tradition and many great civilisations have used masks as objects to protect, disguise, celebrate and transform their view of themselves and others.

“Masks have always held a fascination and a magic that everybody can relate to. The exhibition taps into that magic and provides a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with objects of wonder and the tools used to make them.

“The exhibition includes masks from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Italy and Greece.

“The masks are carved in wood, leather and cast in fibre-glass and were used in theatres, festivals and rites of passage ceremonies.”

Behind The Mask is running at Cannon Hall Museum until Saturday October 9 and admission is free.

Family workshops will also take place on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the school summer holidays.

These cost £5 per participant, otherwise entry to the Museum, which opened in 1957, is free of charge.